Automatic solid food dispenser for domestic animals

Abstract

The automatic distributor of sequential rations of solid food for domestic animals comprises a tank (3) for solid food and a bin (6) receiving the rations as well as a control device enabling to program the number of rations delivered within 24 hours and the time interval separating them. The tank (3) for solid food and the bin (6) are both parts of a casing (1) and are rigidly fast the one to the other. The tank (3) comprises a lower aperture giving access to the bin (6) and an obturator (8), actuated by an electric motor (16) is displaceable between a rest position for which the tank (3) is separated from the bin (6), and a feeding position for which the tank (3) is connected to the bin (6) and feeds it with solid food by gravity. The upper face of the bin (6) is closed during the filling phase limiting thus the quantity of food delivered.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An automatic distributor for a series of portions of solid food for domestic animals, comprising a storage tank for solid food, a cup for receiving said solid food, control means to program the frequency of delivery of solid food from the tank to the cup, the tank and the cup being secured to each other by a casing, the tank having a lower access leading to said cup, a valve, an electric motor for moving said valve between a rest position in which the tank and cup are closed from each other by the valve and the upper side of the cup is open, and a feeding position in which the tank and cup communicate with each other for gravity feed of solid food from the tank to the cup, and a flap movable simultaneously with the valve to close the upper side of the cup in said feeding position. 
     
     
       2. A distributor as claimed in claim 1, in which the flap is secured to the valve. 
     
     
       3. A distributor according to claim 2, in which the valve is rotatable. 
     
     
       4. A distributor according to claim 1, in combination with a constant-level drinking trough comprising a second tank and cup in the casing for respectively storing and dispensing water. 
     
     
       5. A distributor according to claim 1, the cup having a bottom, and means for selectively positioning the bottom in any of a plurality of positions of adjustment relative to the casing thereby selectively to adjust the quantities of solid food that can be received by the cup.